Things Harmful to Lips
Some things are worse for your lips than you’d think; another reason why homemade lip balm is a good idea. Here’s a list of things you should avoid:
- Smoking can cause a lack of circulation and wrinkles.
- No SPF (sun protection factor) can lead to sunburn. A few natural oils that offer sun protection are carrot seed oil, raspberry seed oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, and sesame seed oil.
- Parabens, which are present in most commercial lipsticks, can damage your skin.
- Fragrance, also in some lipsticks, can dry out your skin.
- Artificial sweeteners could cause health problems.
- Camphor and menthol, while natural, are drying ingredients often found in lip care products.
- Dry air, created when air conditioning is used, can dry out your lips.
Pumpkin Spice Homemade Lip Gloss
You’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons petroleum jelly
- 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin spice mix
- Pinch of cinnamon
- small piece of lipstick (optional)
- lip gloss container – you can get these a health food store or a craft store
Melt the petroleum jelly and lipstick (if using) in a microwave safe container. The lipstick adds a little bit of color to the gloss, but if you you’re a fan of clear gloss, feel free to skip adding lipstick. Do this in 15 second increments, stirring with a toothpick to ensure that they’re well-blended. When it is completely liquified add the spice mix and mix thoroughly. Pour into lip gloss container and refrigerate for 20 minutes to set. Lip gloss will keep indefinitely if kept in container with lid.
If pumpkin spice isn’t your thing, you can add an essential oil like peppermint instead.
Pumpkin Spice Lip Balm
You’ll need:
- 2 Tbsp coconut oil
- 1 Tbsp grated cocoa butter
- 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 tsp vitamin E oil
- small pinch of cinnamon
- lip gloss container – you can get these a health food store or a craft store
Melt the coconut oil in a small microwave safe container, microwaving for short 15 second intervals until completely melted. (You can also do this in a small sauce pan if you prefer.) Add the cocoa butter and stir until melted. Microwave again if needed. Add the spices and vitamin E oil (preservative) and stir well. Transfer to a small container and refrigerate until solid. Do not put it in a tube or keep it in your pocket, as it will easily melt and leak. I’ve had this happen before inside a pocket and safe to say, I was a little bit devastated. Oils are so hard to get out of clothes!
To make the lip balm firmer, add a tablespoon of beeswax. That will help keep it from melting so easily. It will also add a bit of natural honey smell to the formula.